Are friends important to teens' lives? Absolutely.
So, why does the question need more consideration? While some might think the number of friends is most important, what may matter more is the quality of those friendships.
There is no question that friendships help shape adolescent well-being. As children move into adolescence, friendships often shift from being based on proximity and shared interests to becoming sources of crucial emotional support.
This evolution is especially salient as young people navigate the many social, academic and biological changes associated with being a teen.
